### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dûwmâm**, represented by `{{H1748}}`, is a term for being **still** or **silent**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. Based on its root, it is used adverbially to mean **silently**, or to describe something as **dumb** or the act to **quietly wait**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1748}}` is used in three distinct contexts. In Lamentations, it expresses a virtuous posture of faith, stating that it is **good** `{{H2896}}` for a person to **quietly wait** for the Lord's salvation [[Lamentations 3:26]]. In contrast, it is used in a prophecy of judgment against the Chaldeans, who are commanded to "Sit thou **silent**" in darkness, having lost their prominent status [[Isaiah 47:5]]. Lastly, it describes the powerlessness of an idol, which is a **dumb** stone, unable to "Awake" `{{H6974}}` or "Arise" `{{H5782}}` when commanded [[Habakkuk 2:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of silence, waiting, and inaction:
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (to sit down; to dwell, to remain): This word is directly paired with `{{H1748}}` in the command to "Sit thou **silent**" [[Isaiah 47:5]], physically describing the state of imposed stillness. It is also used for sitting in judgment or dwelling in a place [[Psalms 91:1]].
* `{{H6974}}` **qûwts** (to awake): This term is used in direct contrast to the state of `{{H1748}}` in [[Habakkuk 2:19]]. A person commands a lifeless idol to "Awake," but the stone remains **dumb**, highlighting the difference between a living being and a powerless object.
* `{{H2342}}` **chûwl** (to wait, to hope): This word is associated with the act of waiting in [[Lamentations 3:26]], where to "quietly wait" is connected with hope for God's salvation. This same root can also mean to tremble, as when the mountains see God and **tremble** [[Habakkuk 3:10]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H1748}}` is significant, representing opposite spiritual states depending on the context.
* **Virtuous Patience:** The word is used to define a positive act of faith. To **quietly wait** for God is presented as something **good** `{{H2896}}`, an expression of hope and trust in His salvation [[Lamentations 3:26]].
* **The Silence of Judgment:** In a prophetic context, `{{H1748}}` signifies humiliation and the loss of power. The command for the "daughter of the Chaldeans" to sit **silent** is a pronouncement of judgment that removes her voice and status [[Isaiah 47:5]].
* **The Inability of Idols:** The word is used to emphasize the lifelessness of false gods. An idol is defined by being **dumb** `{{H1748}}`, having no breath and being unable to teach or act, unlike the living God [[Habakkuk 2:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1748}}` is a concise but powerful word whose meaning is shaped entirely by its context. It can illustrate a noble act of faith through silent, patient waiting, or it can be a marker of divine judgment and the powerlessness of idols. The use of **dûwmâm** shows that silence in scripture can convey either deep reverence or complete defeat.
TRV